Lincolnshire Police warning on use of drones

Andy Hubbert

As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’s), more commonly known as drones, increase in popularity and capability, Lincolnshire Police are raising public awareness of using them safely and legally.

Temporary Chief Inspector Deb Clark of Boston/South Holland Local Policing said: “Drones are cheap, and easy to get in the air. No doubt many will have been given as presents over Christmas.

Lincolnshire Police are issuing advice on the use of drones. EMN-160118-124101001

“The ownership and use of drones is not in itself unlawful but in certain circumstances their use may contravene air safety legislation and they can be used to commit offences such as assaults, damage, harassment or voyeurism. We are raising awareness today of the general rules to follow but ultimately, anyone operating a drone should use common sense and take responsibility for it.”

The general points to remember are:

You are responsible for each flight

Before each flight, check the drone for damage

Keep your drone in sight at all times

You are responsible for avoiding collisions

Keep away from congested areas

Do not fly within 50 metres of a person, vehicle, building or structure

Consider rights of privacy in terms of any images you obtain

Permission must be granted to use a drone for any commercial activity

Chief Insp Clark advised anyone thinking of using a drone to check the information available on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website. She continued: “The responsibility for the drone is with the operator. Failure to comply with the above points could lead to prosecution. Please do not fly your drone in any way that could endanger people or property.”

For further information see the “Be safe, be legal” poster below or visit www.caa.co.uk/uas